Marian GittinsTransactional Analyst Psychotherapist

Hello, I am a Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist, my main training is Transactional Analysis. This broad approach enables me to help you explore your relationship with food, express your feelings and let go of unhelpful eating patterns.

My Journey

Through my own therapeutic journey over the last twenty years, I have become increasingly aware of how my eating patterns can change at times of emotional stress. I have learned how loss can impact my relationship with food. I have experienced how stress, difficult feelings, and a negative body image, can impact negatively on my relationship with myself, and in my relationships with others.

My therapeutic journey led me to work with a Transactional Analysis Psychotherapist. This approach enabled me to feel safe enough to explore my issues. I learnt how my early life experiences were impacting on how I was being in the world as a grown up. Identifying the theme of unexpressed feelings around loss and how this impacted on my relationship with food and with others was of paramount importance in facilitating change. Much of my personal therapy has been about learning how to identify and express my own authentic feelings and needs. This has enabled me to foster more positive relationships, including my relationship with food. I have become increasingly aware of the importance of self care, and the positive impact this has on my ability to be fully engaged in my life.

I know how painful a bad relationship with food and body image can be.

My training as a psychotherapist

I have been a practicing Psychotherapist for twelve years and I am both professional and passionate about providing a safe, confidential, supportive environment. People are able to explore their issues and feelings, and their painful, unhelpful patterns in their relationship with food. The therapeutic applications of Transactional Analysis focus on providing opportunities for individuals to change repetitive patterns. These patterns, often the result of early childhood decisions, can limit an individual's potential. At the heart of this therapy is the contract for change.

The varied issues that I have worked with in my practice have contributed to and directed my professional development. Setting up a therapy service in a performing arts institution has enabled me to work with clients presenting with disordered eating, eating disorders and body image issues.

I am passionate about offering a safe environment where you can explore and express these painful feelings.

How I can help

I believe the relationship we develop together will be of primary importance within our work. In a safe, non-judgemental atmosphere, you will be able to explore your difficulties and feelings with me. This can lead to real insight into your troubled relationship with food. In our initial meeting I will be listening to you to understand what it is you would like to gain from coming to see me and what you feel might be keeping you stuck.

We can explore practical ways to help you manage eating and emotions in a more healthy way. We can also incorporate nutritional information and advice for a deeper understanding of the negative impact of certain foods on your body.

My work so far has brought me to the conclusion that we need more than one approach when working with disordered eating. We need to tailor the work for each individual client, looking at the emotional, practical and nutritional approach.

This can help you gain a deeper understanding to facilitate positive change for your future.